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Friday, July 6, 2012

Sewing Rick Rack Edging to a Dress

Thanks for the compliments on my 4th of July dress! A couple of you asked about the rick rack edging around the neckline. It's super easy to do. I like this application because it's unexpected; you usually see rick rack applied flat to hems (which I also did on this dress!).

Here's a close up of the neckline.

I lined the dress before adding straps or rick rack. After the lining was flipped to the inside, then I stitched on the rick rack, and then sewed the straps on by hand.

The inside:

All you need to do is start with a finished edge, whether it be a neckline, hem, etc. Pin the rick rack behind the fabric so that only the "humps" are showing.

Next, edgestitch the garment from the right side, about 1/16 to 1/8" from the edge. I like my Bernina #10 Edgestitch foot for this purpose (a blindhem foot also works, just use the "blade" as your guide and then adjust your needle where you want it to be).

Here's how it looks as it's being stitched.

That's it! I think this would look cool in black on an LBD--very understated and chic, no?

27 comments:

Thanks for the tips on rickrack I just bought some hot pink cotton for a summer top I'm thinking some back rickrack for the neckline would look great! Love Rosie's ears too, my yorkie has large ears too when she was a puppy they were bigger then her!LOL

I usually add rickrack by sewing it in the same seam holding the front/lining together. That way all that's visible on the outside is one row of "humps", and the other side is tucked inside, behind the lining. No topstitching necessary, either. It's a fairly simple process, but easiest with regular or jumbo rick rack, not the tiny stuff.

Rickrack is cute, but I remember from my childhood that it Must Be Ironed. It curls over when washed. Go ahead and use it, but it went out of fashion around the people stopped routinely ironing, and I don't think it was entirely by chance.

Thanks so much for the tutorial on an actual vintage sewing pattern that has underarm 'gussets' that are put in before sewing the garment. I have always had to make a diamond shaped gusset from leftover fabric from the finished garment and then sew it in as a 'quilt type applique/topstitch afterthought' when the garment is too tight under the arms.

Also signed up for 2 of your sewing classes on craftsy.com and I am 'loving every minute'!

Whenever possible, I fit my straps and stitch both ends in between the fashion fabric and the lining. I would have done the same with the rickrack, too. But of course, there are many ways to skin a cat!

The rickrack idea of putting in behind and just the tips sticking out is GREAT. I am goin to try it sometime. Oh, and Rosefolly is right, it DOES curl! So be prepared to iron it!Fortunately I LIKE ironing; such a satisfying job taking something from wrinkly and sad-looking to smooth and snazzy!

Oh, and that is just the CUTEST doggy pic..I happen to LOVE little smooth-haired black hound-type dogs with pointy ears that stand up straight now and again!! And it's such a marvel that she just fitted right into your household, with even the CAT being welcoming!

Yep, you can certainly sandwich it between layers like piping. But it's good to know more than one technique here (isn't that always the way in sewing?!). I learned this one from a 50s sewing pattern. It's nice to be able to use it on an edge that doesn't have a separate facing or lining (like a hem). Also, you can add it on after construction if you like, or to an existing garment.

I love your blog!! I first saw you on Sew Easy and loved your segment, then my daughter bought some of your classes on Craftsy and showed it to me, then I found you on You Tube and that lead me to your blog!! I am so glad I found you!!! I have been reading your blog every day for a month now!!!! You really inspire me with sewing, You have been building my confidence in to trying new things!!! I could never thank you enough!!! I love your honesty on Boo-Boos, proving everyone is human!!! But also, how you don't let it stop you in your tracks, that you treat it as a speed bump, then just keep going, continuing your journey to the finish line!! LOVE IT!!!! I love your teaching method, so clear to understand!!! I think of you as a sewing mentor, hope you don't mind! Keep up the wonderful work you do, I personally appreciate all your time in sharing and teaching!!!! I love your corset, can't wait to see it finished, also I can't wait to get a copy of your new book, Congratulations!!!! I also love seeing pics of your pets!!!!